I went into a routine vet visit, thinking we would be in and out. Instead, we had a serious conversation about tick prevention for pets. The staff reported having already treated several cases of Lyme disease this season. That caught me off guard, especially since this past winter did not feel mild.
I have a friend who was outside with her dogs. The dog was on prevention, but she still ended up with a tick on her. It must have come in on the dog and then made its way to her later. It didn’t jump, but it was enough to show how easily ticks can move from pets to people and into the house.
Why ticks are still increasing
We often hear ticks thrive after a mild winter, but that is not the only reason. Snow can insulate them and help them survive. Add in rising temperatures, higher humidity, and shorter stretches of extreme cold, and conditions become favorable for tick survival.
Ohio has also seen forested areas grow back over time. At the same time, more people are living closer to wooded spaces. That combination brings ticks and people into closer contact.
The risks for your pet and for you
Tick bites are easy to miss, but the impact can be serious. Pets can develop illnesses such as:
- Lyme disease, which can cause joint pain, fever, and fatigue
- Anaplasmosis, often leading to low energy and loss of appetite
- Ehrlichiosis, which can affect the immune system
People are also at risk. One early sign of Lyme disease is a rash that may appear in a circular or bullseye shape around the bite. This can show up within a few days or up to a month later. It often causes fever, exhaustion, joint stiffness, and swollen lymph nodes. When treated early, Lyme disease responds well to antibiotics. If ignored, it can lead to more serious joint, heart, and nervous system problems.
Types of ticks showing up
In Ohio, three types are most common.
- The black-legged tick, also called the deer tick, is small and hard to spot. It is known for spreading Lyme disease.
- The American dog tick is larger and easier to see. It is often found in grassy areas and along trails.
- The lone star tick has a white dot on its back in females and is more aggressive. It continues to spread into new areas.
Prevention that matters right now
Protect your pet:
- Stay consistent with vet-recommended tick prevention
- Check your dog every time they come inside
- Look closely at ears, neck, under legs, and between toes
Be mindful outdoors:
- Avoid dense brush and wooded edges when possible
- Wear long sleeves and light colored clothing to spot ticks more easily
Around your home:
- Keep the grass trimmed
- Remove leaf piles and yard debris
- Create space between wooded areas and your yard
Protect yourself:
- Change clothes after being outside
- Check your skin after time outdoors or after handling your dog
- Remember, ticks can come inside on pets and attach later
Natural ways to make your yard less inviting to ticks
In addition to routine prevention, you can take steps to make your outdoor space less appealing to ticks. They rely heavily on scent and carbon dioxide to find hosts, so strongly smelling plants can help disrupt that process.
Some plants and natural options to consider:
- American beautyberry is one of the most studied natural tick deterrents.
- Catnip contains a compound that interferes with how insects locate hosts
- Lavender includes natural oils that help repel ticks and other insects
- Rosemary works well along borders and walkways due to its strong scent
- Lemon balm contains citronellal, which is similar to citronella
- Mint is effective but spreads quickly; best kept contained
- Thyme, especially creeping thyme, can act as a ground cover where ticks would typically climb
- Sage creates a dry, less inviting environment with its strong scent and texture
- Garlic releases sulfur compounds into the soil that can help repel ticks
These options can help reduce tick activity, especially when used around patios, pathways, and yard edges. They work best as part of a larger prevention plan, not as a replacement for veterinary protection.
What to Do If You Find a Tick
Remove the tick as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers. Pinch close to the skin and pull straight out. Clean the area and watch your dog for any changes in behavior, appetite, or energy.
This year calls for more attention. Early Lyme cases are already showing up, and ticks are making their way into homes on pets. One missed tick can lead to more serious health issues, so it is worth taking a few extra minutes to check and prevent it.
